Balance
Overrated vs. Undermined
Balance has become a controversial word lately. Some people, like me, honor it, live by it, and believe everyone is capable of it. Other people discredit the term, affirming such a concept is not feasible in today's world.
Neither argument is wrong, especially in the context of health.
It is fair to believe it's impossible to balance a healthy lifestyle with the casualties of living in the 21st century. Where can there be balance in a fast-paced, money-centered, junk-food eating, sleep-deprived, FOMO mindset, wired & stressed production human machines culture? Well, I can see the complications if the perspective of balance is 50-50.
That perfect equation in today's uncertainty triggers more chaos than reason. It's hard to live by it.
Now, if the angle on balance shifts from 50-50 to one of demands (what you ask from your body) vs. needs (what it needs to thrive), everyone has an opportunity to create a sustainable & healthy balance that honors their circumstances, successfully living in more ways than one.
Keep reading if you are intrigued by how redefining balance in your terms can help you create a sustainable and healthy way of living without compromising your sanity or participation in the 21st century.
Balance the INs & OUTs
If you are or -need to be- a workaholic asking you to balance work hours & leisure time 50-50 is not feasible. PERIOD. Forcing that will affect your sanity in more detrimental ways than supporting good health. It could even affect your livelihood, and that's not the point! But what if you think of it as demand vs. needs instead of 50-50?
What if the definition of 'balance' here is to create a reasonable proportion of what you demand from the body and how you nurture it?
Balance is not necessarily cutting hours. Maybe balance to some people here focuses on eating nutrient-dense meals to have the proper fuel to comply with long working hours. To others is focusing on good quality sleep so that the body recharges & repairs. Others may need a little bit of both. Some even thrive on exercise- and they feel charged enough to handle 'the grind' comfortably without sacrificing their wellbeing.
Balance will look different to everyone. Everyone's limits are unique, trigger points vary, priorities are subjective, and joy is tailored-made. All of this makes balance highly customizable and doable.
The point here is not to accept how conventional balance should look to others because there can be more than one correct way. Take a moment to investigate your circumstances, your lifestyle & your health goals. Create a formula that works for you and your needs. Define balance in your terms.
Questions to help you define balance:
What is the challenging demand for your body?
Think of energy, cognitive power, emotional resilience, stress management, body strength, etc.
What is easy for you to nurture? What brings complications?
Nutrition, Sleep, Meditation, Exercise, Consistency, Distractions, etc
What is essential? What is nice to have? What is not necessary?
Think of how crucial things are to help you thrive in balance. Make the list and be honest with yourself.
What could tip your balance in favor of wellbeing?
Think of one or two supportive actions and focus on those only!
You don't have to do everything in the 'health' book. Work on what truly impacts and supports your circumstances. It will all fall into place once you get into the rhythm of things.
Flexibility, Consistency & Mindfulness
The rebuttal argument for the naysayers of balance would be: "the minimum effort is not enough". Well, you cannot properly clean the house if you don't organize the mess first. The balance needs to start somewhere. Even small efforts add up. But if you never start, you'll fall behind with every passing day. In this scenario, something is better than nothing.
Balance that honors your circumstances and looks like a perfect fit for your needs is flexible, consistent, and mindful.
Flexible because it responds to your needs only, not other's standards. You determine when the effort is enough or when you need more. It's never rigid and easily adapts.
Consistent because it's a daily effort. Balance has to be sustainable. Aim for creating a balanced approach supported with your resources & with your actions.
Mindful because it's a conscious effort to keep your body, mind, and body stable. It should not be a set routine with rinse & repeat settings. Every effort to sustain a healthy balance needs to come from a present and intentional mindset. It makes the impact even more effective.
It's not feasible to create a perfect 50-50 balance in the 21st century. But achieving a balanced approach to living is doable if you dare to aspire healthy ways to meet you where you are and honor your preferences in the journey to who you want to be.
Quick Survey:
Shifts to Try to live in Balance
If you are intrigued by this approach and feel the challenge to try it, here are a few shifts to get you started.
If these shifts are a little tricky for you to incorporate, don't panic. A little guidance can make a huge difference. Feel free to reach out for a breakthrough session here.
From my journey to yours
It’s not about perfection!
I used to live by an -All or Nothing- mentality. That balance was overrated. The truth was that the perfectionist in me was trying to fit my life ambitions & my self-nourishment needs into a 50-50 concept. No wonder I was failing at living. The thing that was supposed to help me only made things worst.
I asked too much of my body compared to what I gave it in return. It was taxing and uncalled-for. It's almost a form of self-sabotage.
It took a hot minute to make peace with the fact that balance can be effective even if it's not perfect-looking. Even with the weird proportions or highly tailored ways, life & health can be in harmony. It's possible to nourish your body enough to handle the crazy demands of the 21st century.
Now I see how undermined balance is. How little it is practice. Yet, benefits can impact not only your physical & emotional health but the ability to live a life you enjoy living.
Until Next One!
Stay happy, stay healthy, Stay BALANCED,
